In a major change for Hollywood’s biggest awards show, the AcademyAwards will transition from traditional television to online streaming starting in 2029. After decades of airing on broadcast TV, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced a multi-year agreement with YouTube, giving the platform exclusive global rights to the Oscars beginning with the 101st ceremony and running through 2033. 

Under the new deal, YouTube will stream the entire Oscars broadcast — including pre-show red carpet coverage, behind-the-scenes segments and related events like the Governors Awards and nominations announcements — live and free to viewers worldwide. U.S. audiences will also be able to watch via YouTube TV. 

This shift marks the end of an era for ABC, which has carried the Academy Awards for most of the past 50+ years. ABC will continue to broadcast the show through the 100th Oscars in 2028, but after that YouTube will become the ceremony’s primary outlet. 

Academy leadership said the partnership will help expand the Oscars’ reach to a broader global audience and support year-round Academy content, while YouTube executives framed it as a way to connect more people with filmmaking and cinematic storytelling. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed. 

The move reflects broader trends in media consumption, with live events increasingly embracing digital platforms as audiences shift away from traditional television. 

Let us know what you think about the move in the comments.